When we think of sweeteners, common options like granulated sugar, palm sugar, and syrups come to mind. Today, however, we’ll explore Glucose Syrup, a versatile and often overlooked ingredient found in many foods and desserts we enjoy daily. While those who enjoy cooking and baking might be familiar with Glucose Syrup, many may not fully understand what it is, its benefits, and how it is used.
What is Glucose Syrup?
Glucose Syrup, also referred to as liquid glucose or glucose solids, is a biomolecule derived from the hydrolysis of tapioca starch. It has a clear, viscous texture and is available in both transparent and brownish-yellow varieties. Glucose Syrup is commonly used to accelerate sugar crystallization, prevent sugar from forming crystals, and stabilize mixtures in various recipes.
Types of Glucose Syrup
- Liquid Glucose Syrup: This type is widely used in cooking or as an ingredient in various dishes and desserts. Examples include roasted red pork sauce, dipping sauces, Korean BBQ glaze, and as an ingredient in chocolate or ice cream to slow melting. It is also a key component in traditional snacks like Kraya Sart (rice brittle), peanut brittle, and candy.
- Powdered Glucose Syrup: This type is commonly used in food processing, such as in candies, sweets, and lollipops. It is also widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for coating products to create a glossy finish.
Glucose Syrup vs. Syrup: What’s the Difference?
Glucose Syrup is derived from tapioca starch and features a thick, viscous consistency. In contrast, traditional syrup is made by dissolving sugar in water. The production processes for Glucose Syrup and traditional syrup differ, with syrup generally being sweeter. Unlike syrup, Glucose Syrup does not crystallize or solidify over time, making it more stable for certain applications.
Functional Properties of Glucose Syrup
Glucose Syrup, made from tapioca starch, has a clear, viscous texture and a lower sweetness level. It is often used as a substitute for sugar in various food applications. In the food industry, Glucose Syrup is commonly used to reduce production time. For example, when combined with sugar, it helps speed up sugar crystallization. In fillings for mooncakes or other confections, Glucose Syrup helps bind ingredients, making the filling easier to shape and maintain its form. Its stable viscosity prevents separation, making it an ideal choice for fillings, Thai mung bean sweets, and mooncakes.
Benefits of Glucose Syrup
Glucose Syrup, a sweetener derived from tapioca starch, is widely used as a sugar alternative or as a binding agent for sugar crystallization. It is a versatile ingredient found in various foods and desserts. Popular applications include Kraya Sadt (rice brittle), candies, sauces, fillings, and roasted red pork sauce. Additionally, Glucose Syrup can be used to coat foods, adding an appealing glossy finish and enhancing visual appeal.
Enhancing Flavor with Glucose Syrup
Fancy Carp Glucose Syrup, made from premium-quality tapioca starch, provides about 70% of the sweetness of granulated sugar. It is often used in mooncake fillings, such as mung bean paste, to make the filling easier to mold. It is also ideal for dishes like roasted red pork sauce, Kraya Sadt, Korean BBQ glaze, and roasted duck glaze, serving as a sugar substitute. Beyond sweets and savory dishes, Fancy Carp Glucose Syrup can be used to make condensed milk for beverages or as a coating ingredient to give foods and desserts a glossy shine, such as crispy rice crackers or sweetened tapioca snacks.
Quality You Can Trust
In Thailand, Glucose Syrup is primarily made from tapioca starch. Fancy Carp Glucose Syrup is crafted from high-quality tapioca starch, offering about 70% of the sweetness of granulated sugar. It is an excellent option for saving time and reducing costs in cooking your favorite dishes.
You can purchase Fancy Carp Glucose Syrup through Shopee and Lazada or via Line OA @MissFlour. It’s the perfect choice for enhancing your cooking and baking experience with efficiency and quality.